Candidates Offer Contrasting Visions on Energy Prices

Washington, Jun 24, 2008 -

Dear Friends,

Below please find a press story that demonstrates the difference between Congressman McHenry’s plan to address the crisis of rising gas prices and that of his opponent. Congressman McHenry is working to overturn the ban on environmentally-safe exploration and production of American energy resources in Alaska and deep at sea along the Outer Continental Shelf. His opponent, however, sides with the leaders of his party who control Congress in calling the use of American resources “shortsighted.” This country has enough untapped reserves of American oil to power 60 million automobiles for 60 years. What’s so ‘shortsighted’ about that?

Sincerely,

Rebecca Yount
Campaign Manager

Johnson, McHenry offer energy plans
Paul Teague, Local News Editor
Lenoir News Topic

In the wake of surging gas prices, the candidates for 10th District House of Representatives have presented their measures to alleviate the pain at the pump.

While two-term Republican incumbent Patrick McHenry favors lifting a ban on off-shore drilling along the coasts of the United States, Democratic challenger Daniel Johnson calls the idea “shortsighted” and argues in favor of increased fuel efficiency standards for vehicles.

McHenry has co-sponsored a bill in the House (H.R. 6108), termed the Deep Ocean Energy Resources Act of 2008, to allow drilling along the outer continental shelf. The Cherryville representative cites a U.S. Minerals Management Service survey that claims there is an estimated 420 trillion cubic feet of natural gas and 86 billion barrels of oil within the currently banned regions. The study says the oil is enough to power 46 million U.S. automobiles for 60 years, though there are some 250 million American vehicles currently on the road.

“As gas prices push family budgets to the brink, Congress has an obligation to act,” McHenry said. “Removing government roadblocks to environmentally-safe production of American energy resources is a good first step.” These are American resources that American taxpayers have a right to see brought to market. This is a case of the federal government standing in the way of a path to lower gas prices.”

Johnson, a former officer in the U.S. Navy and a Hickory native making his first bid at elected office, responded in an editorial published by the Hickory Daily Record. He says U.S. dependence on oil from the Middle East is both an economic and national security issue.

“We can bring down the cost of gas by either increasing the supply or cutting the demand and a good energy policy will do both,” Johnson stated. “Energy independence can only be established through efficiency and innovation. Increased domestic drilling alone is shortsighted and does not address the real problem – our addiction to foreign oil.”

Johnson attacks oil companies that have been posting record profits and receiving government subsidies. While supporting domestic drilling on a smaller scale, Johnson said the U.S. needs to increase its oil refining capacity, noting that no domestic refineries have been built since the 1970s. He also favors looking into “safe and more affordable nuclear power.”

Both candidates agree that the U.S. must do more in finding alternative energy sources. Johnson sees the new energy push as an economic opportunity for the district that includes Caldwell, Burke and Catawba counties.

“Our skilled labor force can fill the new manufacturing jobs created by the development of solar, wind and biofuel energy,” Johnson said. “Congress should provide loans to entrepreneurs with the best plans to harness alternative energy sources.”

McHenry acknowledges the need for more energy independence. But until affordable alternatives become available, he believes additional drilling is necessary.

“One day, America will be powered by alternative sources of energy – and I’m working to make that happen,” McHenry said. “But until that day comes, we must use American resources to become more energy independent and lower gas prices.”

McHenry and Johnson will square off in the Nov. 4 general election. Though Johnson represents the most credible Democratic opponent McHenry has faced in his three bids for Congress, McHenry is favored in a district that has not elected a Democrat since 1960.